The Wildest Race I’ve Ever Done. Can I Survive?

[@gcn]

What did you think of Si's experience at the gravel world championships? 🚵‍♂️ Would you love to take on a race like this? 👀

[@MrBoggins1234]

Nope but was good watching someone else doing it. Chapeau to Si doing pieces to the go pro whilst, at one point, his life slipped through his fingers. 😂

[@paulbyrne4214]

Hey Si don’t be so hard on yourself remember “We choose to go to the world gravel champs.. we choose to go to the world gravel champs… WE choose to go to the world gravel champs and do the other things, NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE EASY BUT BECAUSE THEY ARE HARD!”. Gravel Kennedy

[@RobJens-o1v]

Good job, Si!

[@harleypurcell7766]

This is a challenge for the monster that is Hank

[@cjohnson3836]

This is one of the best things about long gravel races, being able to dig yourself out of that pit and finish strong. Endorphins are a hell of a drug.

[@CyclingSteveL]

Imagine being another rider at the world champs being passed by a dude wearing 20 year old kit, carrying a selfie-stick, making a youtube video. Then Valteri Bottas zooming by like some sort of gravel-Jesus. Crazy stuff.

[@mausebiker123]

Valteri Bottas as gravel Jezus 😂

[@monsterastronaut.]

😂

[@nottakumi1226]

Makes me want to be there 😂

[@tman1500]

What u talking about man? 76th is good! Lots of strong riders out there who would have trained all year for this. You should be proud to have qualified and to have competed!

[@babygerald4645]

And he can brag that he caught a draft from Valteri Bottas. Not many cyclists can make that claim.

[@tobiasgrietens7018]

facts ive trained so long for the qualifing and the race self, and didnt come close to his finnishing time.

[@zbyneksimcik7017]

@@babygerald4645 Valteri finished 4 mins behind him :-))

[@lux-wattage]

Thrilled the UCI finally gave in and allowed you to post the video! It would’ve been a real loss for this incredible footage to vanish under gravel dust, never seeing the light of day. Huge kudos to Si for powering through to the finish!

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rjzeph6199]

why did the uci not want this video to come out?

[@ssenssel]

@@rjzeph6199 Because UCI has jurisdiction here

[@eduardoschneider2010]

Its a shame that not even being journalist they could decide it themselves

[@cjohnson3836]

@@rjzeph6199 Because UCI exists to make things worse.

[@JustMikeH]

I find this encouraging. To see a former pro struggle to find time to train in-between life priorities, still race, stuggle, and yet still complete is encouraging. I was never a pro rider, will never be a pro rider, and have not raced for years. I am training to race next summer. My only goal for next year is to avoid DNF with my secondary goal to see how close I can get myself to the middle of the finishing times of my age group. It might sound like a really weak goal, but sometimes life priorities keep me from riding as much as I'd like. So thank you Si for your struggle. This is encouraging me to keep riding and give racing a try next summer.

[@hellodisdat]

I'm 7mins in but it needs to be said. This shit is fkn great. The content, the editing, the backing music while old man Si get into the race.. even the idea to do this in this way.. so good and in glad i can watch it for free. Thankyou.

[@gcn]

Thanks for saying that. I hope you enjoyed the rest of the vid! Cheers, Si

[@pal9037]

Si, you are one tough mother! Watching you has helped me ride one hour more.

As a 41 year old dad of 3 who has recently done a 125km race and went through ups and downs I have utmost respect (and envy), Simon. Beautiful, entertaining and honest video, spectacular event... Shame on everyone saying it was not "real gravel" just because it was not another Unbound.

[@prispin]

We hope you stay on top of the dark places and balance family and cycling and GCN - you inspire a wide variety of people across the cycling community every day. Most of us will never race, let alone in a World Championships, but you help all of us set goals in endurance cycling, and just plain having the joy of cycling in our lives!

[@BrianMcMahon74]

Way to go Si, should be proud of that 76th position, top quality video and presentation as always.

[@gcn]

Thanks for the comment!

[@fogsmith]

Chapeau Si - it was so cool to see your reactions post race - the rawness and honesty were awesome. Please consider more videos like this one. Thanks from Colorado.

[@gcn]

We will! Hopefully, there’ll be more training before the next time

[@dorydiaveloneart]

Mr. Si CONGRATULATIONS ….YOU ARE THE MAN !!! . Really find all the info REALLY HELPFUL AS AN OLDER COMPETITIVE RIDER WITH OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES … I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH YOUR APPROACH , YOU HUMILITY , AND MOST OF ALL HOW WELL YOU DID … YOU ROCK!!!

[@KFlickinger]

I love those races where you oscillate between, "I'm not quite dead yet" and "I got better." True age grouper!

[@markschindel3008]

I would be extremely proud of what you did. You qualified for worlds and were part of a select group of riders in the world.

[@chrispyy606060606]

I had several friends from Canada go to this race. People tend to underestimate the quality of fields. I raced 4x at the Worlds GFWC TT and those fields were insanely strong. Great events with lots of great people there. Congrats on your result Si!

[@broersporco]

But the 40-44 group is thé most easy tot win from them all 🫣🏆

[@ReverzEffect]

Especially for an event in Flanders... Cycling in any way/shape or form is almost like a religion in Flanders. If you'd know how much some of these non-pro riders here are training you'd be perplexed. You just have to look at the result for the average kermesse race here in Belgium and you know how high the level of some of these amateurs (if you can even call em that) is.

[@broersporco]

@ training - yes , amateurs ofc yes .

[@GenYHikikomori]

Simon is a battle-hardened veteran. Kudos to you for still doing this.

[@SveinnHBragason]

Great job and a splendid comeback! You and the GCN team have been my inspiration to jump into some longer distance gravel events outside my comfort zone, like the Rift and keep going to the finish line even when guarding the rear. 76th is pretty good result when competing against people that can train way more than you were able to! Keep up the good work and post more awesome inspirational rides!

[@anthonycox9635]

Brilliant video! Congratulations to Si for a great race on limited prep. Looking forward to next year’s effort!

[@ronaldweed6103]

This was very much fun to watch. So enjoyed the humor,& positive vibes. BRAVO 👏

[@fritsgerms3565]

One word; brilliant. Age groupers are the heart of all endurance sports. It answers the why.

[@Y3riel]

That’s quite amazing experience! 76th is awesome! Congratz and yes! It feels amazing to be on a low and finished on a high

[@gcn]

That’s something Conor always says

[@ssenssel]

We are so proud of you Si! Cheers from Brazil 🚲💚💛

[@johnlieto8906]

All comments here well deserved Sy! Really appreciate the inspiration and making this vid. Well done sir!

[@aajfranklin]

"Tensions are sky high"? It's the age groupers Si, I think you meant "Pensions are sky high" 😉

[@gcn]

😂

[@pabloparada7158]

Great vid Si...I really appreciate your humanity and, personally, I think you are a stud. We only get older and we have to take our victories as they come. And I count your finish at the Worlds as a complete victory, with an impressive recovery from what seemed like a legendary bonk, inclusive of a deep existentialist crisis! I love it. Thank you.

[@questgivercyradis8462]

Si! You didn't train and you still were top half of the group! Just looking at the times compared to distance, that's FAST for everyone. And you just go "yeah, I think I'll just go on a race" and get through it? Absolutely excellent! Most of us are happy to just be able to ride for a few hours without racing! Cheers dude :)

[@veloman59]

Great ride by Si - I think experience can count for so much and obviously helped him dig himself out of the dark period of the race he had.

[@andrewjohnson9896]

Fantastic video and a wonderful result. So well done.

[@gillianleitch6470]

Thanks, this is the kind of gcn video we love

[@gcn]

Thanks Gillian. Dan

[@lazlo2511]

Okay let’s go through a checklist: Didn’t crash✔️ Never visited the canal✔️ Never had chain jam sandwich ✔️ Stayed upright through the mud ✔️ Didn’t let out breakfast in the forest✔️ Rode a bike half the planet can’t afford ✔️ Has backing from Japan ✔️ Films while racing ✔️ Finishes what he started✔️ Keep looks impressive from we’re I’m sitting! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 bravo Si.. bravo.

[@kris.monroe]

"Whilst I'm not proud of my result, I am very happy with my entire race."

[@eduardoschneider2010]

amazing video Si. we are all proud of you and the effort you put into this. thanks for sharing.

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

Si, I’ve been an age grouper for many years. Frankly, finishing as strong as you do is a result you can be very proud of. Nice job. Go Belgium!

[@lsmoothw]

Si videos are the best! Great job, Si! Congratulations 🎊

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

A young chap asked me at the cafe, "Are those Gravel Tyres?" "No. They're rubber." Seriously, They are 26 x 1 3/8". They are Ash-top and cobblestones tyres. City streets were cobblestones, but when you got to the city border, the roads had ashes spread over the dirt by householders. They eventually, from the end of WWI to WWII got a thick top of ashes. Suberban commuters, shoppers and schoolchildren rode 26 x 1 3/8" ( 35-590 ). More affluent rode 32-594 or even 28-597. In post war years, 1945 to 1955, most country roads and lanes were dirt. Tarmac was scarse. Major roads were tarmaced. The TT organiser set 'out and back' stop turn events.

[@roymcneill96]

Always love competing in Belgium it's the same but so different at the same time. Been doing everything & anything from 24Hr MTB Solo thru local 'Tochts' to Gravel & even Classic Sportives like Gent-Wevelgem for 14 years now. All have great atmospheres, friendly organizers & competitors, fun courses, don't cost a fortune & at most you get feed & watered, well a beer mostly. Well done Si, can't wait to get back for another dose of Belgium.

[@prestachuck2867]

Minimal to no training or physical preparation, finishes in the top half of his race at world championships with no mishaps or mechanical whatsoever. Simon ought to very proud of his performance. No doubt his family and close friends will be. Props, Si!

[@gcn]

Can we expect a podium finish next time with a couple of weeks of training before the race?

[@Si_B_Cumbria]

@@gcnthink he needs to make himself known to Rob Hayles again, be great as a comparison to this years approach 😅

[@hishamsharif8361]

As a 45 years old with 5 kids and working 9-6, and with a passion for bike race, I can 100% understand the struggle to find time for training, family will always be no 1 though, and work is work, but that 30-40 minutes a day to be able to ride your bike is gold actually. You’re such an inspiration to all juggling dad’s out there Si, keep it going.

[@jonathanrobinson2628]

What a cracking video. It's extra interesting for me, as I hope to compete myself next year, but beyond that, I think that this is one of the slickest, funniest and most professional GCN videos to date. And all credit to Si for not only putting in a great performance but filming it too. Chapeau!

[@Chiller11]

The human body/mind is such a complex unpredictable thing. You finished well above the mean with a seriously suboptimal training regimen. You hung on through the worst of the experience to somehow be rejuvenated and finish strongly. I think you should be proud and amazed.

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Brilliant Si! It was a an absolute honour to have such a prestigious event run on trails I ride on all the time!, Both days were fantastic for spectators too and the event was blessed with gloriously un-Belgian October sunshine. It would have been a very different race and much more challenging parcour had it absolutely pi$$ed it down as per the norm! If you ever fancy getting GCN to come and film Belgian gravel there's a whole lot more in the woods (especially the forêt de Soignes) that is more interesting than the broader trails they had to use for the race...

[@djrlloyd]

Omg, how many Belgians were there in that race?! Every other rider seamed to be in one of their jerseys. Si, awesome ride, you should be proud, you were in the top 1/3 of riders with, as you said, limited training. Very well done 👏💪🤩🤩

[@jonathansprenkle8466]

I organized a duathlon for ALS many moons ago. Pre race talk I always told folks, try your hardest, leave it out there, you gotta be happy with the result!

[@ВаликСлавинский-е5г]

thanks for the inspiration Simon, i'm going through a hard time right now (mentally) but this video helped me a lot, thank you for your work, please keep cycling and never change

[@gcn]

We’ll be here-thanks for the support!

[@colbysmith2539]

Brilliant video by GCN. Well done to finish at that position AND film at the same time!

[@derickcastillo9083]

Si, on minimal training you did great. It is cool to do events like this just for the enjoyment. I so glad to see you suffering and having fun doing it.

[@paulburton9572]

Not proud of your result! You should be Si, what an excellent result and hugely inspiring for all us Dad’s out there. Legend!

[@philipflipflopg4065]

Average speed of over 20mph off-road is brilliant. Quality family time is more important than a win. Well done!

[@cb6866]

Thank you Si , that was very cool ! Thanks to the crew also , AND , SI , you won bud ! Perspective is an amazing thing , sir , you are a legend to us all . Be well .

[@craigburleigh5160]

76th position!!! Being that you have family and work obligations, That was a spectacular finish!! Champo!!!!

[@gcn]

The work obligations: training for the Gravel world championship

[@VeronicaTorres-fm9ew]

The edit for this video with the music and your comedy made it so enjoyable to watch!

[@edgarcarrasco3453]

Winning isn't everything, the joy and passion of being able to ride is what makes it worth it. When your body gets that second wind and you're able to push again when you thought your body was about to quit on you is the best feeling ever. Keep it up Si!

[@broersporco]

Winning is thé best feeling there is 👌🏼

[@donball370]

Si, you're a legend mate. Very glad you came through the dark time and won't be retiring from GCN and continue to go flat out on your bike.

[@iansingleton]

Well done Simon, qualifying in the age group is probably the biggest achievement. Everyone there riding in the world's is already a winner regardless of final position. It looks like you all had an amazing day.

[@nickpatten5263]

76th is definitely something to be proud of. Not only did you finish but you were middle of the field and not at the bottom or a DNF. You did really well.

[@farhanishraq96]

Si man you are the reason I kept watching gcn videos. Super proud of you!

[@colinswan786]

Nice one Si! The winner of the show... the yellow crocs! Utter class

[@SCggoode]

Amazing effort Si, I'm glad we got to see this footage. Looked like an incredible experience , something I'd love to have a go at one day.

[@10shed]

I rode it and on the day I saw you about an hour before the start and I just thought you must be doing a piece on it. Yes there's a major gap between the MvDPs of this world and those of us who are 'age groupers' or amateurs. That's where the love of the bike comes in. A lifetime of cycling both in competition and purely for pleasure and with the age groups you see it lasts until the end. There were guys over 80 years of age in it. As we get older there are fewer remaining able to do this at this level. We may not have had the genes of Merckx but we have longevity and dedication combined with determination and desire. I turned to Gravel because my Worlds Road was ruined by illness in the days before it. I then qualified at Graean Cymru and with a top notch loaned bike got a good result at Leuven. My plan now having entered The Gralloch is to do 5 more races abroad following that. All are qualifiers and then do the Graean again. The finish to my season will be the Europeans followed by the Worlds in Nice. My training has started. The focus is there and I work towards 17 May as my first major step to qualifying. You surprised me with the 'bad legs' sensation. Quitting is never an option so listen to your body and go with it. The only time you deviate from that, and you see it with the pros, is when it comes to finishing. When the body says no more, the mind has to carry you onwards. You did it. You came through. Never doubt yourself. You're the man pedaling his two kids through town. Apply that mentality when it feels tough. Nothing will stop you if you find the right motivation. I enjoyed your video. Integrity and honesty. Well done.

[@enriquetf5289]

Seeing you smiling and happy at the end of the race says it all. (Although you said you are not proud of the result - but you can be!)

[@ShimmeringOrb]

Calling - great tunes, well done editing team. Great entertainment, pleased the race ended with a happy Si.

[@rodneyblenkin2384]

Great video si,what a great insight to the gravel world champs. Brilliant result for you aswell ,probably been alot different on the road in a good way .

[@einsteinisbae27]

Having your car towed in Leuven is hilarious, my family is from the region. The parking anxiety: triple checking you can park there, moving your car because after 7pm you can or cannot park there, is something instilled in you as you grow up - almost in your blood really. Always have to put out the parking disc etc. Something you just get used to :D

[@DirkDierickx]

Happy to hear you enjoyed belgium! don't be too hard on yourself, your performance is nothing to be ashamed of.

[@mommamooney]

You should be proud of your achievement. With the training you could do and pushing through that dark place, 76th is a decent result

[@nemobobber4574]

Si, that was a brilliant video, properly impressed with the editing from you guys

[@genewhalen9264]

Great vid, Si. Really appreciate the honesty. I’d be interested to know more about the pre and in-race nutrition. I’ve found that when the reserves run low, the mind wanders. Usually down a black hole. You recovered well and finished strong. congrats on an awesome accomplishment!

[@chuckgliderable]

My word, all those Belgian jerseys would psyche me out!! Well done Si and the team, brilliant video, loads of insight.

[@willian.direction6740]

Great effort Si. Iam training up to ride 72 plus km on my 72 yr bday end of November. Good for the mental health and sych up to get it done like my old days of racing to not come last every Saturday at the club race.

[@Ubiets]

congratulations :) great to see even people as experienced as yourself can hit a wall that needs to be pushed through. Excellent result!

[@BevandEdMusic]

After not watching a lot of GCN these past few years, it seems they're pumping out gold on the regular lately!

[@MidlifeMTBdude]

Respect for the excellent race and honesty. That’s true courage in my book.

[@n22pdf]

Wow well done Si.. Chapeau that was a tough ride and your result was awesome.. a great achievement just to finish :) Pete

[@tobiasgrietens7018]

Sadly the group where valtteri was in dropped me 5km before they caught Si. Still the best race ive ever partricipated in, will never forget that day.

[@Paul-q3q6u]

76th is a result to be proud of I'd say. And as always so well presented, it makes me want to go for a ride right now. I really do enjoy the videos you guys make, well done all!

[@amandaadams2010]

That was brilliant. Thanks for bringing us along for the ride! One day, love to ride it but for now I'm on the e-cargo bike for the school runs 😂

[@moelvin]

I could listen to Si for hours. Great storyteller and of course cyclyst. Loved it! 76th with a camera in hand, not to shabby i think 😀 And the Video, just perfect!

[@paulchapman112]

Well done! And well put together. Love the approach the gcn guys take.

[@MOSloan]

This is great stuff! Great content! Something we can live vicariously through you!

[@mikejarrells431]

Thanks & good job!

[@LikeACactus]

I’ve been REALLY enjoying the post-Discovery content. It definitely feels livelier and more organic.

[@jayshockey5461]

Are you kidding me Si!!! Great race, great video and you did awesome! Especially not being able to train as much!! KUDOS!!

[@buzzrider2997]

Loved how Si got touched in the aftermath!

[@CoffeeAddictLee]

Fantastic video and loved hearing Si's heartfelt commentary. Peak GCN

[@pedalandtringtring]

Great effort Simon, showing up is important than the ranking. It's a trail that I would like to ride in the future.

[@andykramer4707]

Great job, Si!

[@lordbertos8124]

This was awsome! This is the content I love to watch

[@minispaniard]

the video was well worth waiting for in the end, well done! I really don' t understand all the fuss with the UCI and riding with cameras... Question is: Will Simon attempt to do it all again in 2025? perhaps give Connor a shot? and if it happens, would you throw some money in to buying a new jersey?!? ;-)

[@rg807]

I really enjoy this type of content. It's very relatable for this 61 yo.

[@jthomp1254]

Hats off to you, Si. You’re fantastic!

[@pauleaston1425]

Loved watching this, brilliant and entertaining thanks

[@thegeordiefellwalker8878]

remember watching si win the tour of the reservoir when he was up there with the best 💪🚴 class is permanent great ride 👍

[@ramsden35]

Amazing well done Si!

[@dianahellman9254]

I’ve been waiting for this video. Really great racing, Si! You should be proud of how you rode, especially with life stuff. And that’s funny about your car getting towed - Ted and Laura King had a story about being about to park in a place where they WOULD have been towed but someone was there and told them in time not to park there. Sorry you didn’t have the same lucky star, and I’m sure all of the walking for your car sapped some of that power from your legs. ;-)

[@broersporco]

The race was super . World champion for a year in the strongest categorie 🏆 Thanks for showing the results of the podium 👌🏼

[@frozenbean]

Way to go Si! This reminds me of XC racing in the 90s.

[@AlexChklar]

It's a good shout out for Masters (or age grouper or senior depending on the sport) athletes. The level across the board in all masters sport is going through the roof! That and fitting it in around life... It's a challenge but we rise to it!

[@julianmorris9951]

Well done!!, we all know the frustration of not being as fast as we were but that’s life🤷it’s about enjoyment now👌🏻

[@RickClifton]

I once heard, "If you feel good, you'll feel worse... If you feel bad, you'll eventually feel better". Doesn't always work that way for me, but, more often than not, it does.

[@discju]

I travel regularly to Belgium for work, and I always stay in Leuven. On every single trip I have had some sort of unintentional traffic violation. They are very strict about parking, speed, and what road you can ride on during what hours.

[@phil-bath]

Brilliant video Si, well done!